Going the distance: Sanibel resident to compete in upcoming triathlon

August 23, 2017

Age isn't a number for one Sanibel resident. For the last four years, Roger Timm, 67, has competed in the Galloway Captiva Triathlon.

Initially, Timm became interested in the event purely for the challenge of it.

"I wanted to see if I could do it," Timm said.

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Roger Timm during last year’s Galloway Captiva Triathlon.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Since competing in the triathlon, Timm trains all year, typically two to three times a week for either 45 to 60 minutes a day.

"You've gotta keep at it," he said.

One of the ways he trains is with Coach Curt McIntyre at the Sanibel Recreation Center who teaches a four-week program three times a week specifically for the triathlon. The program focuses on endurance, speed and stroke techniques. This is his fourth year training with McIntyre.

"There's a lot of camaraderie in this group," he said. "It's good discipline."

In addition to training with McIntyre, he also incorporates his own routine: Timm bikes and swims in the Gulf once a week. To prepare for the 5K, and for good health, he runs three to five miles about three or four times a week at different paces. For him, running is the hardest part about the triathlon.

"It's the last thing and it's in the heat," Timm said.

The Galloway Captiva Triathlon takes place Sept. 9-10. Athletes will complete a quarter-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 5K run. After two years of training and competing, his hard work paid off: Timm completed the triathlon in one hour and 19 minutes, earning him second place in his age group.

Besides competing in the Galloway Captiva Triathlon, Timm runs local 5K's and 10K's, competes in duathlons and he participates in Medals of Honor where he gives his finishing medal for the race to the family of a designated fallen military hero.

"Finishing is more important than the place - if that occurs, that's great," Timm said.

Before his race on Sunday, Timm plans on volunteering on Saturday for the kid's triathlon.

"It's a good thing for kids. It teaches them how to do things without having mom and dad there," he said. "It's a wonderful event."

As far as training his training tips go, his No. 1 rule is to get out early in the morning. His second tip is to train with a purpose.